A reversible thermoresponsive sealant for temporary closure of ocular trauma

摘要: Open globe injuries are full-thickness sustained to the eye wall (cornea or sclera), which cause immediate drops in intraocular pressure that may lead retinal detachment and permanent vision loss if not treated rapidly after injury. The current standard of care for open consists suturing margins closed, but technique can be time-consuming, requires specialized training equipment, patient discomfort, abrasion, infection from rubbing. We engineered an injectable, thermoresponsive sealant (TRS) a custom tool occlude injuries. smart hydrogel physically cross-linked N-isopropylacrylamide copolymerized with butylacrylate. At low temperatures, it injected as liquid, when raised body temperature, heat-induced gelation converts into solidified occlusion. repositioned removed without causing additional trauma via exposure cold water. In vitro ex vivo assessments mechanical adhesion tissue revealed maintenance is five times greater than physiological range reversible seal strength comparable cyanoacrylate (super glue). assessment rabbit model ocular demonstrated ease use TRS deployment, statistically significant improvement wound sealing, no evidence neurotoxicity, degradation, chronic inflammatory response 30 days exposure. Given advantages gelation, rapid occlusion, safety efficacy, shape-adaptable TRSs have translational potential sealants temporary occlusion surgical incisions traumatic